Shinnyo Kawai

Shinto priest of Ise Shrine. Inspired by Shinto beliefs about how man should live in harmony with Nature, and deeply concerned about the problems of pollution, Kawai became a priest of Ise Shrine in 1975. With his clear diction and ready wit, he has become a popular speaker in Japan.

Kengo Kuma

Internationally-acclaimed architect known for his style of using locally-produced materials to create buildings in harmony with regional traditions and the natural surroundings. Among his many internationally-known works are the Nezu Museum and the New Kabukiza Theater.

Mitsuo Ogawa

Master Carpenter of Ise Shrine. Formerly the main apprentice of Master Carpenter Joichi Nishioka, the “demon of Horyuji.” Rebuilt several ancient temples, including the three-story pagoda of Horinji. Now putting all his efforts into grooming a successor.

Takeshi Kitano

Filmmaker. While continuing his career as one of the most popular celebrities in Japan, Kitano gained international fame as the director of several internationally-acclaimed movies. His film “Hana-bi” won the Golden Lion at the 54th Venice International Film Festival.

Katsuhiko Kurata

As Superintendent of Ise Forest, Kurata oversees all aspects of forest management in the area surrounding Ise Shrine. Planning centuries ahead, Kurata is focused on ensuring there will always be enough Japanese Cypress trees for future shrines.

Soju Ikeda

Owner, Kiso Timber Company. His family-run operation in Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture has supplied timber for the Ise Shrine for centuries. Ikeda manages the giant Japanese Cypress trees in his forests in the traditional manner.

Genmyo Ohno

129th Chief Abbot of Horyuji Temple. Ono has lived at Horyuji Temple since he was three years old, and was ordained when he was in the third grade. Horyuji was originally built in the 7th century and is one of the oldest continuously-occupied wooden structures in the world.

Masaru Tanaka

Professor Emeritus at Kyoto University. One of the Japan’s leading authorities on coastal ecology and juvenile fish physiology. Tanaka has been forceful in pointing out important ecological links between the sea and the mountains, and has advocated for a new branch of environmental science focusing on the interplay between forests, mountains, and the ocean.

Tsutomu Ohashi

Neuroscientist who discovered the “hypersonic effect,” a neurological reaction in which the brain is stimulated by sounds at very high frequencies. As a music composer, Ohashi is famous for composing the soundtrack of the hit movie “AKIRA,” and is President of the Geino Yamashiro Association.

Shigeatsu Hatakeyama

Operates an oyster fishery at Kesen-numa that has been in his family for generations. For over 20 years, Hatakeyama has spearheaded a reforesting initiative called “The Forest Longs For the Ocean Movement.” Recipient of a Forest Hero Award from the United Nations.

Akira Miyawaki

Professor Emeritus, Yokohama National University. A strong advocate of maintaining indigenous forests, Miyawaki has planted over 40 million trees all over the world, from the Great Wall of China to Kenya.

Yoshihiro Narisawa

Chef Narisawa brings attention to environmental issues through the lens of food, by creating recipes with the theme of “Living Together with the Forest.” He has consistently been chosen as one of the most influential chefs in the world.